Floodwaters pour over the top of Matilija Dam after a winter rain, despite the fact that the dam was originally designed to hold back storm water and reduce flooding to downstream areas. Due to extensive siltation, the dam actually holds back very little water, and will have 0% capacity by 2020. The dam also blocks the migration of native steelhead and salmon to spawning grounds and has played a role in the spread of a local invasive plant: Arundo donax. On the bright side, the dam is... more »
Floodwaters pour over the top of Matilija Dam after a winter rain, despite the fact that the dam was originally designed to hold back storm water and reduce flooding to downstream areas. Due to extensive siltation, the dam actually holds back very little water, and will have 0% capacity by 2020. The dam also blocks the migration of native steelhead and salmon to spawning grounds and has played a role in the spread of a local invasive plant: Arundo donax. On the bright side, the dam is slated for removal with the intention of rehabilitating the Matilija and Ventura River ecosystems. Cost estimates for dismantling the dam and the removal of sediment range between 20 and 180 million dollars.*.*(Matilija Coalition) « less
